Preparations are being finalised for a major Isle of Man presence at the International Festival for Business which starts next week.

The Department of Economic Development along with more than 50 Isle of Man firms from a number of sectors have committed to take part in the Festival, which is being held in Liverpool and the North West beginning on Monday 9th June.

Minister for Economic Development John Shimmin MHK commented:

‘Our presence at the Festival reinforces the strength of the relationships that the Department enjoys with the private sector in the Isle of Man.

‘The Isle of Man will have a significant presence with a stand on the trading floor of the International Hub of the Festival for the full 6 weeks duration. We will also be hosting a series of events for visiting delegates to learn more about the Isle of Man.

‘It is important that we continue to grow the economy and the Festival is an ideal opportunity to promote the Isle of Man to both a UK and international audience.

‘For example we will use the festival to further our business and political relationships with the North West region. This process has already started, as demonstrated by the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Department and Liverpool Vision.’

Full details of the Isle of Man’s presence at the International Festival for Business can be found at http://www.whereyoucan.com/IFB